Hungary To Stop Consulting Unions On Minimum Wages - Agency

BUDAPEST -(Dow Jones)- Hungary's government will change its
current practice and start setting the rate of minimum wages
without consulting trade unions nor employers' representatives,
state news agency MTI's Econews service said Tuesday.

Econews cited a draft bill from the government submitted to
parliament Monday.

The proposed bill drops the government's current obligation to
stipulate a minimum wage based on consultations with the National
Interest Coordination Council, or OET.

The OET--which is currently the forum that provides national wage
recommendations and the minimum wage--comprises representatives
of several trade unions, employers and the government, as one of
the largest employers.

The government's bill also suggests the creation of a new
organization, the National Economic and Social Council, or NGTT,
which would replace the existing interest coordination bodies,
Econews said.

The NGTT would comprise academics, church representatives and
civil organizations, in addition to representatives of employers
and employees.